Standard Genoese

Published June 06, 2010 Updated March 12, 2022

Van Genechten manufactured playing cards in various styles, including specially customised versions for commercial clients wishing to advertise their own brands on the cards.

Belgium Van Genechten Advertising Tobacco Genoese Pattern

Van Genechten, Standard Genoese type playing cards

Van Genechten manufactured playing cards in various styles, including specially customised versions for commercial clients wishing to advertise their own brands on the cards.

Above: standard pack of 'Genoese' or 'Belgian' type playing cards manufactured by Van Genechten for Compagnie Maritime Belge, 1950s. Image courtesy Matt Probert.

Above: standard pack of 'Genoese' or 'Belgian' type playing cards, with joker and box manufactured by Van Genechten, c.1920.

Above: customised pack of 'Genoese' or 'Belgian' type playing cards for JOB cigarette paper, manufactured by Van Genechten, c.1930.

Above: 'Genoese' or 'Belgian' type Bridge pack, gilded corners, c.1960.

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

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